Inspiration and Influence of Immigrants

Without a doubt, we all owe a debt of gratitude to our immigrant ancestors, because without their courage either we would not be here or our lives would be completely different. There are many characteristics we might associate with them: integrity, inspiration, intelligence, independence or initiative. Unless they were “doctors, lawyers, or Indian chiefs”, as … More Inspiration and Influence of Immigrants

Revisiting the MacColls/McColls of Kenmore and Ontario

Last week I presented my readers with a confusing question arising from letters between two cousins. The jury is still out on whether Catherine McCorquodale later McColl does indeed belong to my family, being a daughter of Duncan MacQuorquodale. My investigations have sent me down the rabbit hole of discovery so I thought I’d set … More Revisiting the MacColls/McColls of Kenmore and Ontario

Trove Discoveries: The Skirl o’ Pipes

Many years ago, I found occasional references to my great-uncle Peter McCorkindale on microfilmed newspapers. It was apparent that he regularly “smashed” the competition at various Highland Games. While I’d written a blog post about the McCorkindale pipers a long time ago, I’ve recently found even more on Trove. That’s what happens when I putter … More Trove Discoveries: The Skirl o’ Pipes